This is an AU based on the anime Kaiketsu Zorro. The main character is Teo Angelo who appeared in episode 34, The Order to Kill Zorro. It's not necessary to have seen that episode to read this fanfic, but I think that knowing Teo's story and what happened to him in the series will make it a lot more enjoyable.

DIFFERENT SHADES OF JUSTICE

Prologue

"The next ship leaves in two weeks. You had better hurry if you don't want to miss this one. I'm not taking you back to Madrid with me," the young man with dark hair said to his companion who was still standing on the pier with his luggage.

The other man, slightly shorter and almost blond, laughed at his friend's words. "It sounds like you're trying to get rid of me."

"Why wouldn't I be? You've been causing trouble ever since the day you arrived from California. With you gone, I can finally concentrate on my studies again."

"With me gone, you can no longer use me as an excuse. Your failings will all be your own."

These words made both men's smiles turn somewhat wistful. They had been good friends for the past two years and had been certain that they would be following the same path for at least one more year to come. Then a letter had arrived from California, and the fencing lessons and long discussions in taverns had suddenly come to an end. Now one had to return home beyond the ocean while the other remained in Spain.

"I'm sorry it's so sudden, but I can't say I'm surprised. My father's letters have been troubling me for a good while now. I knew he'd ask me to come back home sooner or later," the second man said.

"No need to apologize. If things are even half as bad as your father says, they need you. Just make sure you're going to do some good over there," his friend said.

"I could be saying the same to you. Finish your studies and join the army. Next time we meet, I want you to be at least a lieutenant."

"And then I want you to finally beat me. You almost got it last time. A little more practice and your technique is going to be near perfect."

"I doubt I'll ever be able to defeat you, but I'll do my best."

It was nearly time for the ship to set sail, so the younger man had no choice but to collect his luggage and climb into a little boat that would take him to the ship. He took a spot by the stern where he could wave at his friend.

"Goodbye, Teo, and thank you for everything!" he called out.

"Have a safe trip and say hello to your father. I hope I'll have the chance to meet him one day," Teo said. He shoved his hands into his pockets as the boat started its departure towards the open sea. He did his best to keep smiling. He was going to miss Diego.

"I'm sure you will!" Diego yelled at him.

A few moments later, it was already difficult to hear what Diego was saying. Teo had to shield his eyes from the sun in order to make out his figure on the boat. He saw Diego suddenly raise his arm high, and though he couldn't see it, he was sure that Diego was holding his sword.

"For justice!" Teo called out, knowing that Diego could no longer hear it but feeling the need to hear it himself. The other people on the pier gave him funny looks, but he didn't mind. What was important was that he and Diego were both on their way to making a difference. They couldn't do it together like they had wanted, but it didn't matter.

It would be strange at the university without Diego. His other fencing partners weren't anywhere near as good and didn't share his passion for defending the poor and the weak. Most of his fellow students were only interested in building a career and earning money and fame. Diego had been the only one who understood that there were higher goals in life and that the worthiest cause for using a sword was fighting for those who were powerless to do it themselves – not winning prizes or the hearts of beautiful women.

I hope that you'll arrive safely home and that you can do something about the problems your people are facing, Teo thought as he turned away from the sea and started walking away. He would do his best, too. When he and Diego met again, they would share a bottle of wine and tell each other tales of their grand adventures and honourable deeds.